Let Neuroplasticity Take the Wheel
The world is changing at rapid speeds around us.
My stress – albeit less than what many others are facing – is impacting my ability to focus on my tasks at hand. The biggest challenge for me personally is not my own. It is knowing that healthcare workers around the globe are putting their lives at risk to save others, families are experiencing the intense shift to homeschooling, and communities are not getting access to the resources they need to survive.
As the world continues to move, shift, and test us, we must train our brains to keep up. Below, I humbly offer 3 ways to navigate this changing world.
- Have a 1x1 With Your Brain
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s self-improvement tool. As we process new information, our brain makes and breaks connections, growing, strengthening, or shrinking the synapses that connect neurons to their neighbors. Neuroplasticity helps us learn new skills, unlearn behaviors and patterns that no longer serve us, and re-learn new ways of thinking. These skills can help us as we set out to navigate new challenges today and every day.
TL;DR: Let neuroplasticity take the wheel and let your brain help you.
2. The Golden Rule: Be Specific
When setting out to grow, strengthen, or learn something new, it is important to choose something motivating, valuable, and specific. For me, I have implemented flossing for 3 minutes after brushing into my DAILY routine. It’s been 3 weeks of quarantine, and the habits are starting to form. As you go through the process of goal-setting, consider the SMART Framework created by George T. Doran:
Specific → Flossing teeth daily before bed.
Measurable → 3-minute floss after my evening brushing routine.
Achievable → I use Cocofloss to get the job done.
Relevant → I need to address my weakening gums!
Time-bound → I will floss daily until COVID-19 ends, then re-assess.
If you are inspired to choose a goal around mindfulness, consider a breathing practice, such as the MindUP Core Practice, the Brain Break, which is applicable to anyone of any age. The Brain Break helps us focus, pay attention, and bring awareness to the breath. Practicing the Brain Break 3 times a day for 1–2 minutes each for as short as 2 weeks can help one become less reactive, less anxious, and more responsive to change. (Notice how I used the SMART goals to define the goal above).
Nature grows in the presence of what already exists. Take a look within and get specific on what you want to change or grow.
3. Consistent Effort Yields Consistent Results (Title credit: Lucky Jain)
Results happen over time, not overnight. Our brains need time and repetition to strengthen the neural pathways required to learn a new task or simply think about something in a different way. In order to become an oral health enthusiast, my flossing routine needs to continue long after COVID-19 ends. We have to put in the work to make the changes we wish to see.
In short, practice makes permanent.
Safeness today and always,
Mika
